Director General of the Libyan Development and Reconstruction Fund, Belgasem Haftar, said that reconstruction projects in eastern Libya are helping reverse decades of neglect, highlighting what he described as major progress in infrastructure, public services, and urban development across the region.
In an interview with Agence France-Presse, Belgasem Haftar pointed to rapid development in several eastern Libyan cities, arguing that reconstruction efforts over the past two years have surpassed those completed during the decades of rule under former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Speaking from Benghazi, Haftar outlined a series of projects overseen by the Libya Development and Reconstruction Fund, including newly built bridges, rehabilitated roads, renovated schools, hospitals, and public facilities. The fund was established in early 2024 and initially focused on rebuilding the city of Derna following the devastating Storm Daniel disaster in September 2023, which caused massive destruction and loss of life.
Backed by funding estimated at 10 billion Libyan dinars, the fund later expanded its activities to include broader reconstruction programs across eastern Libya. Officials say the projects are part of long-term plans to modernize infrastructure and restore essential services after years of instability and underinvestment.
Observers note that the reconstruction campaign has also become politically significant, as eastern authorities seek to strengthen legitimacy by demonstrating administrative capacity and improving conditions for residents. The region contains several important oil facilities and strategic infrastructure, making stability and development central priorities.
Haftar rejected criticism related to transparency and oversight surrounding the fund’s operations. Responding to concerns about the absence of public tenders in some projects, he argued that the scale of destruction in cities such as Derna required rapid action and flexible procedures to accelerate reconstruction.
He also stated that projects and contracts are reviewed by auditing and oversight institutions before approval and implementation. According to Haftar, the reconstruction campaign has helped restore confidence between citizens and state institutions after years of weak public services and economic difficulties.
The ongoing projects continue to reshape several eastern Libyan cities, with authorities presenting reconstruction as a key pillar for stability, recovery, and future development.